West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce targets strikers in January transfer window following injury crisis

West Ham United are hoping to sign up to four players when the January
transfer window opens, with strikers Martin Harnik and Marouane Chamakh high
up on their list as they try to overcome an injury crisis.

Transfer targets: Sam Allardyce, the West Ham United manager, is understood to be watching Martin Harnik and Marouane ChamakhPhoto: AP

With on-loan Andy Carroll injured, West Ham have resisted attempts to take Carlton Cole to the Chinese Super League next month but will have to cope with the absence of Modibo Maiga, who is determined to play for Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Harnik is a 25-year-old Austrian international, although he was born in Germany, and has scored 30 goals for Stuttgart since joining the club in 2010. He can play on the wing as well and, with Yossi Benayoun also injured, would add to West Ham’s attacking options.

No fee has yet been agreed with Stuttgart for Harnik and negotiations are at an early stage with West Ham also considering a move to sign out-of-favour striker Chamakh on loan until the end of the season.

West Ham, who travel to West Bromwich Albion on Sunday, are also determined to try to make sure they hold on to midfielder Mohamed Diame, who has been in impressive form since arriving on a free transfer from Wigan Athletic last summer.